Super "D" Brownies

Before you decide to make these, I must pass on the following warnings:

• Do NOT make these if you have little or no self-control as they can be highly addictive. 
• Do NOT make these if you are on a diet. 
• Do NOT make these if you are the only person home for the next 24 hours.
• Do NOT make these unless you plan to take them to or serve them at some sort of get together or party.

Now for some do's:

• DO make these if you have some little helpers who would love to spend some time in the kitchen with you.
• DO make these if you are going to share them.
• DO make these if you have been told by a doctor that you need to gain weight. :)

Let's move on the the recipe and how it came to be. I had signed up to be snack mom for Ladies Bible Study on Wednesday morning and I usually try to make up the snack the day before as it's much easier than waking up early to do it in the morning. All three of my older kiddos asked to help, which puts me in a bit of a predicament. If I let one of them help, then the other two whine and complain. If I don't let any of them help then they ALL whine and complain. If I give them each a few ingredients to add then they complain about whether or not it was a fair disbursement of tasks. While mulling over all of these things, an idea popped into my head, "Why not make a three layer dessert so that each kid could make a different, separate layer?" The four of us talked it over and came up with the following layers:

1. Chocolate Chip Cookie
2. Cheesecake
3. Brownie

The kids came up with the name, Super "D" Brownies, and the kids say that the "D" stands for "Delicious" (I think it stands for "dangerous"). Here's how to make them.

You'll need:

• 11"x17" cake pan (for thicker brownies) or a 9"x13" AND an 8"x8" cake pan, greased
• Chocolate Chip Cookie Crust (see recipes below, use 1 package of prepared chocolate chip cookie dough, or use your own cookie dough recipe as long as it makes 16-24 cookies)
• 1/2 of your favorite cheesecake recipe (or see my recipe below)
• 1 box of brownie mix, prepared (or see my recipe below)

My Recipes:

Chocolate Chip Cookie Crust

• 6 tablespoons butter, softened
• 1/4 cup vegetable oil
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1/2 cup white sugar
• 1 egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 cups all-purpose flour (you can use gluten free flour as well)
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/2 cup mini chocolate chips

With a mixer (stand or hand), cream butter, oil, and sugars, Add egg and vanilla, mix. Top with remain ingredients and mix till combined. Place in bottom of your pan(s).

Cheesecake

• 12 oz. cream cheese, room temperature
• 1/2 cup Greek yogurt, room temperature
• 1/3 cup white sugar
• 2 eggs, room temperature
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

With a mixer (stand or hand), whip together cream cheese, yogurt, and sugar. Add eggs one at a time till combined. stir in vanilla. Pour over cookie dough.

Brownies

I will admit here that I "cheat" and use a box mix because it's easier for the younger kids to make up on their own. You could easily make up your own brownie batter recipe. :)

• 1 box brownie mix (regular or gluten free)
• 2 eggs
• 1/4 cup cold coffee
• 1/2 cup butter, melted
• 2 oz. dark or milk chocolate, melted

In a mixing bowl, stir together brownie mix, eggs, coffee, butter, and chocolate till combined. Don't over mix. It's ok if there are some small lumps. Spoon over cheesecake batter as evenly as possible (I know that it's a little thick to just pour and spread over the cheesecake). Using a butter knife, swirl the brownie and cheesecake batters being careful not to penetrate the cookie layer with your knife. 

Bake in 350 degree, preheated oven for 30-35 minutes if using the 9"x13" and 8"x8" pans, and 40-50 minutes if using the 11"x17" pan. Remove from oven when a toothpick or cake tester inserted in the middle comes out clean. Let cool for 10 minutes before devouring. :)

Yield: Makes 36 (or more)

You know you want to eat it...